American Conservatory Theater
Opened in 1910, the historic Geary Theater was constructed in the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and it operated continuously until severely damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989. The effort to stabilize and restore the building was completed in 1996 and brought the theatre into compliance with modern codes and contemporary expectations for patron comfort and amenities.
The Geary’s characteristic mix of Victorian and neoclassical styles was preserved as the theatre was renovated to include features like a rebuilt stage house with a one-of-a-kind, mechanically adjustable stage, a new control booth, and computerized lighting and rigging systems. More comfortable seats were installed, the sightlines realigned, and the seat count was reduced by 350—making room for building-stabilizing supports and creating a more intimate theatre-going experience. These improvements—in addition to new lounges, restrooms, and support spaces—have helped breathe new life into this iconic theatre, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1,040-seat drama theatre